Devil's Backbone

Devil's Backbone should be watered deeply and regularly in the warm months. During the winter, it requires much less water, so dial back the watering to once every two weeks. Let the top of the soil almost completely dry out before you water again. Be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot.

Devil's Backbone prefers bright light and can even take full sun. Too much shade will decrease blooming and can cause the stem to become crowded and unruly. This houseplant does best with six or more hours of bright light each day.

This houseplant can tolerate temperatures as low as 45°F (7°C), but prefers warmer temperatures between 65°F–75°F (18°C–24°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.

This plant is not picky about humidity and does well in average home humidity. Mist the leaves of the plant occasionally, particularly in hot summer months to cool it down and reduce leaf blistering.

Euphorbia tithymaloides needs a cactus potting mix as well as some additional drainage material such as perlite or pumice. The soil should remain slightly moist but never soggy for healthy growth.

Fertilize Devil's Backbone with a balanced cactus fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season. During the dormant winter months, fertilizer isn't required. Make sure to dilute the solution with water when applying to avoid fertilizer burn.

Devil's Backbone is generally pest-resistant, although it's not entirely immune from common houseplant pests like scale, mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. To get rid of pests, start by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected parts of the plant. If needed, add rubbing alcohol to the soap/oil mix. You can also use a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water to spray your plant every few days.

Repot in the spring when the roots become too large for their current pot. Use a shallow container with lots of drainage holes and a high-quality potting soil blend. Make sure that there is enough soil to hold the root system and extra foliage.

Prune sparingly to avoid damaging the plant. Cut away unruly branches that detract from the plant's overall appearance. Prune after the flowering season in spring when new growth begins.

Mulch with a thin layer of gravel in the spring and late fall to discourage weeds and retain moisture in the soil.

You can propagate Devil's Backbone by cuttings or by seed. To propagate via stem cuttings, take a cutting a few inches long and allow it to dry for a few days. Then dip the ends in a rooting hormone, plant the cutting in a moist succulent or cactus potting mix, and water sparingly. The cutting should develop roots within two weeks.

Large Devil's Backbone plants might need a support stake to hold up their heavy branches. Insert a wooden stake into the potting soil and tie the stems loosely to it for extra support.

This houseplant requires some dormancy in the winter to rest and regrow. Cut back on water during these months and don't fertilize until spring. Then resume regular feedings and increase the watering frequency.

Euphorbia tithymaloides can be toxic to pets if it is eaten, so it's best to keep pets away from this plant. In addition, this plant may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive people.